The Hondius departed Granadilla, Tenerife, at 19:00 on May 11, heading to Rotterdam, expected on May 17. With 27 individuals onboard, including two medical professionals, the ship is managing a critical situation: a French passenger tested positive for hantavirus. Health authorities are coordinating sanitation and contact tracing efforts.
A deceased Dutch ornithologist has been identified as the first case in a hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius. The ship has docked in Tenerife, allowing passengers to disembark for medical evaluation. WHO Director-General Tedros reassured the public about the outbreak, emphasizing no imminent risk of a new pandemic.
The MV Hondius remains stranded off Cape Verde following a hantavirus outbreak that claimed three lives, including a Dutch couple. With nearly 150 passengers onboard, the ship is scheduled to depart for Spain soon. Health officials stress the public risk is low, urging passengers to maintain hygiene and social distancing.
On February 13-14, 2026, the TUI Cruises vessel Mein Schiff Relax departed Santa Cruz de Tenerife when the medical team identified a crew member in urgent need of care. The Spanish maritime rescue service dispatched Salvamar Tenerife to facilitate a safe transfer, ensuring timely medical attention at a local hospital.
The container ship Rhine Maersk made an emergency port call in the Canary Islands due to dangerously high temperatures in cargo containers. Five containers filled with charcoal self-heated, posing a risk. Emergency responders extinguished the fire, highlighting safety challenges in container shipping. Improved safety measures and adherence to regulations are crucial in preventing such incidents.
